You're The Only Place – Chapter 6

Broken

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I sat numbly at my desk, not really seeing the paper that I held in my hands. I knew its contents by heart:

Dear Lord Praetor,

The priests of the Bevellian council agree that it is time for you to marry. We need to ensure that the praetor of New Yevon has an heir to pass the title down to. Thus, we have found you a bride.

Her name in Giana, and she is the Head Priestess of the Kilika Temple. She will make a suitable wife, and the date of your marriage is set.

Sadly, if this posses a problem, it is unavoidable. The praetor must marry to continue to hold his position. Giana is coming in a week's time. The marriage is next month.

Sincerely,

The Bevellian Council

How could they do this to me? Don't they know that I'm courting Paine? All of my hard work to see her open up and live… gone. Just gone, and I'm watching it slowly drift away.

Paine came into my office, and sat down on the edge of my desk. I didn't look up at her.

"What's wrong, Baralai?"

I handed her the letter without saying a word. She read it, and then slowly set it down on the desk. "Baralai, look at me."

I lifted my sad gaze up to meet hers.

"Do you have to do this?" she asked me.

I ran a hand through my hair, "If I want to remain the praetor… yes, I do."

Paine sighed, and then stood up.

"Where are you going?" I called after her.

"I need to think." She called back, not even looking over her shoulder at me.

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I sat at my desk for about 30 minutes, but Paine never came back. I was starting to worry. I got up, and I left my office, heading towards her room.

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I found her packing.

"Paine! What's going on?" I asked, trying to get her to look at me. But every time I would reach out to grab her arm, she would dance away, and then would continue to pack.

"I have to go."

My heart was ripped out of my chest. "Why?" I whispered.

"Because I know that being praetor means everything to you. I can't let you lose it."

Now my heart was ripped into thousands of tiny pieces. "Paine, but you don't have to leave-"

"It's the only way, trust me, I've been thinking. I can't see any other solution."

I tried to grab her again, but once again she danced away. "Let's think of something! Paine, please, don't leave me…"

"I'm sorry Baralai… I just can't let you lose the one thing you love."

"I love more than one thing, and my job isn't one of them." I told her sternly. I managed to catch her by her shoulders. "Paine… the one thing I love is running away from me…"

She shook her head. "Stop it Baralai." She grabbed her suitcase, and fled the room.

I slowly sank to the floor, landing on my knees. Tears of sorrow were pouring down my face.

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A Few Months Later

I sat down in my apartment in Luca. I resigned from being praetor the day that Paine left. There was no reason to stay. When I left, I remembered Paine telling me that I could literally make a career out of my voice, so that's what I did. I was Spira's new singing sensation. Except, I didn't want anyone to know who I was. So, I wore a silver mask with my concert outfit. I even wore sliver gloves to hide my tan hands. I wanted to be alone.

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A/N: Okay, now before you guys have a freak out on me! I know that this made just about everyone upset, but it's necessary. I know I know... that still doesn't change the fact that you didn't like it, but just bear with me.

-Vincent's Angel of Chaos-

Disclaimer: I own nothing... it all belongs to Square.